Gas phase bio-filter for the removal of triethylamine (TEA) from air: Microbial diversity analysis with reference to design parameters

Biotic (packed bio-filter; PBF) and abiotic (packed filter; PF) studies were carried out on two similar 2 L gas phase filters for the removal of triethylamine (TEA) at inlet concentration in the range of 250-280 ppmV. Removal efficiency (RE) of PBF remained in the range of 90-99% during the stable period of operation (170 days) whereas RE of PF dropped gradually to 10% in a span of 90 days. Five different bacterial species viz; Aeromonas sp., Alcaligenes sp., Arthrobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas sp., were identified in PBF. It was observed that diethyl amine, ethylamine and nitrate were formed as metabolites during the degradation pathway. Empty bed residence time of 20 s, mass loading rate of 202.26 g/m3/h, space velocity of 178.82 m3/m3/h and elimination capacity of 201.52 g/m3/h were found to be optimum design parameters for PBF to get RE in the range of 90-99%.